Unless you are a social butterfly sipping punch from that candy-crystal glass while fluttering about from person to person in all smiles, then this article is for you.
This month’s Off the Beaten Track presents an uncanny outlook into the Lasallian sociological sphere: an experiment gauging the social awkwardness of the average green-clad student. Basing it on a viral YouTube video every Psychology student must have already seen, Menagerie writers Ronnel Tumangday and Ailyn Shi put on their brave fronts as they randomly hold hands with unfamiliar students in the midst of the crowded De La Salle University. Whether or not they both prove to be wallflowers themselves solely depends on the success of their experiment.
Prologue
It was a highly interesting YouTube video, titled “Holding People’s Hands,” which shows a gimmick, most likely made for the lulz. Said gimmick was quite simple: hold hands with all kinds of strangers, male or female, without any form of drama. By the way, the brave soul who did it is an unsuspecting young lad. Obviously enough, awkwardness ensued.
Ronnel stumbled upon the video when it was featured in Yahoo! news. The premise of the gimmick quickly inspired him to suggest it as a perfect OTBT experience. How about doing it in La Salle? How much awkwardness can Lasallians take? A month later, the idea fascinated most of our fellow writers and our editor when it was shared during the storyboard, and was approved. Everything seemed perfect…until it dawned upon Ronnel that since he suggested the idea, he would certainly be leading the crazy group in bringing the crazy idea to reality.
At this point, he would like to inform you, the reader, that while he can picture himself getting acquainted with strangers and newly-met people, he cannot and does not want to see himself going around and holding hands with nobodies, even more so actually doing it. Who does, anyway? Menagerie staffers do, for they should be ready and willing to step out of their comfort to bring life’s most uncanny tidbits and moments before the eyes of the Lasallian community!
…at least in theory, as two Menagerie friends found out for themselves.
Preparations
Fortunately enough for Ronnel, Ailyn, a fellow writer, volunteered to assist in the OTBT article. Mismatches in schedule made it difficult for the two to agree on the day of misery, but eventually agreed on a Friday. It was, at least in their expectations, a favorable choice since Friday is not a common class day.
The nature of the “social experiment” raised concerns on possible discipline office related issues. After all, holding hands with strangers seems to be a good way of getting oneself slapped, or at least receiving a fist to the face. Even worse is the possibility of getting a harassment case. To take care of this possible complications, the two set out to negotiate with the DOs for permission to carry out their task, and never before did Ronnel hope for such a negotiation to fail. Fortunately or unfortunately enough, the DO gave their permission, and everything was set. How odd.
Action and Reaction
At about half past noon on the destined, breezy Friday, Ronnel and Ailyn went off in pursuit of their case study. After minutes of flitting about from place to place, deciding the best place to search for targets, they finally decided to settle upon SJ Walk. Since the area was usually populated, even on a Friday, it guaranteed them a wide selection of possible victims. Moreover, the benches provided unsuspecting places to play stalker.
Indifference masks put on, Ronnel and Ailyn made idle banter while scouring for targets around the perimeter. It was not long before they realized that things were going to be harder than they initially thought. Friends and acquaintances passed by and stopped to chitchat; thereby, making it harder for the both of them to keep up the James Bond façade. It was not long before students hanging around nearby were beginning to turn an eye at them both – clearly suspicious that those two no-gooders must be up to something
Of course, the biggest challenge of all was not even tangible; it was their fear which kept them lying in wait for so long. Never before had the two felt so exposed to public eyes. What if my friends see me? What will happen if my target turns out to have a lover nearby and discovers me? What if I get slapped, punched, or kicked in the guts? What if I become known as a creepy, flirtatious lunatic? Will my life as a Lasallian be ever the same again?
Realizing the futility of staying in an area where they run the risk of getting harassed by acquaintances, Ronnel and Ailyn moved to a less secluded area where the din is considerably subdued. Within the confines of SJ Building, away from the sunlight, did they try to blend into the walls and find a victim quickly, as time was running out. And find they did. A curly-haired, stocky guy – one hand clutching a textbook – was headed towards the nearby staircase when Ailyn quickly matched his pace and slipped her hand into his. Amidst expectations of hell breaking loose, the guy merely gave a start and cursed colourfully out of surprise. Immediately, before either one of them could properly apologize, the guy dropped his idle demeanor and walked away with quick, jumpy steps.
Relieved and somewhat embarrassed by the turn of events, the two students-turned-spies again took to their task on hand. Following the scent of freshly-brewed coffee, they soon found themselves at the library’s vicinity – near the Pearl of Great Price Chapel. It was not long before a tall girl in a vintage getup emerged from the library. Without a moment’s hesitation, Ronnel slipped up to her and grabbed her hand, and was soon rewarded with the same shocked stare and immediate walk-out as the guy before.
Exhausted and drenched with sweat after two hours of meandering about, Ronnel and Ailyn finally called it quits for the day, fully accepting that their experiment was still lacking in substance and success.
Message in a Bottle
Saying ‘Mission Accomplished’ could not be farther from the truth. With only two test subjects, the result of the experiment is, by far, of no reliability and validity. Although judging by the two similar reactions our brave experimenters were able to garner, it can be said that social awkwardness has gone on increasing heights around De La Salle University. And so is the sense of security of Lasallians everywhere. After all, in an age of prolonged contact with crime-infested air, nobody is supposed to speak to strangers, right?
Unsuccessful as the experiment may be, it was, by no means, disastrous. Two mere reactions of two common students living in a common sphere of society are enough to give us a bite-size glimpse into the sense of social order hanging over us. The suspicious and questioning stares observed from the two subjects were no more than a sign of increasing hesitation to trust strangers. The involuntary reflex motion of the girl’s hand towards her bag suggests more of a psychological defense brought about by apprehension and wariness. Ultimately, people are beginning to trust less and worry more.
And this sign of introversion points not only to a lack of people-relating skills or charisma but to a bigger picture – the further sounds of a utopia ebbing away. Blame our friendlessness to the dangerous turn of times. Point an accusing finger to crime as the reason why we are mindful of those surly dudes offering us drinks at a party. And while time fails to hint at an improving change in this downcast weather, rest assured that the wary will remain sucked away into an everlasting abyss of solitude.
We are wallflowers for a reason. We prefer protection over exposure. Trust over threats. Our eyes and ears are open; minds alert and vigilant.
And yes, there are a lot of perks to it.
